Jet dart



Jan. 15, 1957 J, A. MCNALLY 2,777,391

JET DART Filed Dec. 30, 1954 i /5 44 /f/M//W//A j IV ATTOR YS tail tins operate in a conventional manner.

United States Patent C 2,777,391 JET DART .lames A. McNally, Dorchester, Mass. Application December 30, 1954, Serial No. 478,948 l 7 claims. (ci. 1oz-3s) (Granted under Tine 3s, U. s. code (1952), see. 266) VThe invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. l

This invention relates to a jet dart and more particularly, to a jet dart cartridge that is easily-portable, rugged, ready for instant use, easily loaded into a ring and guiding device, and when activated expels a relatively noiseless jet dart missile that is capable of killing a human being.

Portable, small weapons used for projecting missiles against personnel include firearms, e. g. pistols, carbines, Shotguns and rifles. Where quietness is a controlling requirement, silencer-equipped firearms are sometimes used; other missile projecting devices that are used for the purpose include the bow and arrow,the crossbow equipped with bolt or dart, and the compressed air gun. In all of the above-listed weapons the missile is subjected to an initial propelling force only. No force is applied to the missile after it is in free flight. The velocity of a missile projected from these weapons` is highest initially. The velocity progressively reduces down to zero. Y

This invention, in a-preferred form, is a jet dart cartridge having the character of a .shotgun shell when considered in terms of size, ruggedness, portability, readi-` ness for use and ease in loading in an aiming device. Though the preferred form of the invention has the character of a shotgun shell this is not intended as a limitation particularly with respect to its size. The jet dart cartridge includes a jet dart missile. The jet dart missile includes a quantity of highly compressed gas andis also provided with stabilizing tail nsand front end cutting fins. The missile is normally retained in the case of the cartridge. The case is closed at its front end, through which the jet dart missile is to pass, by a readily frangible material akin to the wad used in a shotgun shell. The other end of the cartridge case supports a reciprocable striking pin adapted for puncturing the tail end of the jet dart missile. The cartridge shell is designed to provide a relatively gas tight chamber at the tail end ofthe jet dart missile to aid in the application of a greater initial projecting force to the jet dart missile for forcing its cutting yiins through the frangible material and imparting ,to-it the highest possible initial velocity. The stabilizing Both the front end cutting fins and the 'stabilizing tail fins may be formed with a twist to cause rotation of the jetdart ,missile for stabilization in iiight or boring action on impact. In a simplified modification the jet dart missile is formed with an elongated neck at its tail end. For that modification, the tail or rear end of the cartridge case is closed with a plug formed with ya central opening for supporting the end of the elongated neck of the jet dart missile so that it maybe struck directly. yThis simplied design does not include a strikingpin nor does it provide for a gas tight chamber at the rear of `the cartridge case. Either jet dart cartridge is adapted to be loaded into a slightly through the Wad 32.

barrel forming part of a hand gun'or shoulder gun of v 2,777,391 Patented `lan. 15,

very elementary design. For larger size cartridges, an open trough can be used in the same way as they are used for imparting initialfguide to some rockets. The compressed gas in the jet dart missile serves to provide continuous'- propelling lforce `to the missile throughout itsV effective range. The missile is activated and propelled relatively silently. This invention is particularly useful at relatively short Vrange for guerrilla Itype combat by armed forces.

An object of this invention is to provide a jet dart.

A further object is to provide a jet dart cartridge.,

i A further object is to'providea jet dart cartridge that is relatvely silent in use.. y

A further object is to provide a jet dart cartridge that is rugged, portable, ready for 'instant use, and easy to load inanaiming device. 'Y f A further object is to provide a jet dart cartridge capable of'p'rojecting amissile for use in killing a human being at a relatively short range.l

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. l is-a vlongitudinal sectional view of a preferred embodiment of this invention mounted in a guide barrel with some parts shown in elevation and some parts shown diagrammatically, and

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modified jet dart cartridge according to this invention.

A jet dart cartridge 12 in accordance with this invention is4 shown in Fig. l mounted in a guide barrel 14 of a hand or shoulder gun. it includes a bulb-like container-A16 formed with a stub-nosed front end 18 and an integral cylindrical neck 22 at its rear end. Container 16 isla shell and includes a hermetically sealed chamber. It may be similar to a carbon dioxide cartridge used for making carbonated water. Transverse cutting fins 24 resembling a broad arrow head are secured to the stubnosed'end 18 ofthe bulb-like container 16. A solid ogive point may be substituted for cutting fins 24. The chamber included in container 16 is filled with cornpressed gas, e. g. liquid carbon dioxide. Rear end stabilizing iins 26 are secured traversely to the bulb-like container 16. The end 23 of the cylindrical neck portion of the bulb-like container 16 is formed in accordance with conventional practice known to the art whereby it is adapted to be readily punctured by a pointed member forced axially against it. The above-described combination of elements comprise the jet dart. When the end 23 of its neck 22 is axially punctured the gas escaping from its chamber causes it to move rapidly and relatively silently and` with considerable, momentum over a short range. i

The jet dart is supported in a cylindrical cartridge case 284 whose inside diameter is approximately the same as the outside diameter of the jet dart. A frangible Wad 32 is secured in the front end of the casing 28 by a method analogous to the method used for securing a Wad in a shotgun shell. The jet dart is positioned in the cylindrical case 28 with its cutting fin 24 projecting A gas sealing means 34 is positioned around the bulb-like container 16 between the container and the cylindrical case 28. It is formed to provide a substantially planar transverse surface at the rear end of the jet dart. The gas sealing means 34 is preferably felt or an equivalent material. The sealing means is made in angular sections whereby each section fits between an adjacent pair of stabilizing ns and extends along Va portion of the body of bulb-like container 16. i

The solid rear end 36 of the case 28 is formed integral with the tubular portion `of the case and terminates with a circular lip 37. Alternatively, the rear end 36l of the case 28 may be formed as a separate plug adapted to be securedfin the end yof the tubular portion of case 28. An axially Astepped bore 38 is formed inthe .rear end 36 vof the case. An elongated stepped striking pin 42, having a head 44 pressed on or screwed on at assembly is mounted for reciprocation in the axially stepped bore 38. The portion of the `stepped bore 38 receiving the head 44 of the striking pin 42 provides clearance for permitting axial inward travel of the pin 42 toward the cylindrical neck of the jet dart. Before the jet dart is activated, the .head 44 -of the pin 42 is in the position vshown in Fig. l. In the other end 39 of the stepped bore 38 in the end 36 of the case 2S Vthere is supported an enlarged piston-like portion 46 of pin 42. A .coil spring 49 is assembled about a portion of striking pin 42. inend 39 of stepped bore 38. The coil spring 49 is `retained in position by a retaining nut 50 or the like secured 4to the cartridge case. YThe retaining nut `50 permits the adjacent portionl of stepped pin 42 to slide freely therethrough. A rubber like washer 51 is'secured to the pin 42v and under pressure serves as a gas seal for the axial bore 38. It prevents the escape of compressed gas along the stepped axial bore 38 and out the rear end of the case 28.

The end of the striking pin 42 opposite the head 44 projects into a free space l4S. The end ofthe striking pin 42 is preferably pointed and bea-rs axially against the end of the cylindrical neck portion 22 of the conrainer 16 of the jet dart.

The guide barrel 14 is provided with a conventional block l52 for retaining the jet dart cartridge 12 in guide barrel 14 with its lip 37 against the bottom of the annular recess in the guide barrel. A tiring pin 54 extends through the block 52 in a conventional manner and is' adapted to axially strike the striking pin 42. Insofar -as materials and; method yof manufacture hasV been specified, they have been recited for illustrative purposes 'only .andare not intended in a limiting sense since a' variety o'f materials and methods of manufacture 'may be resorted to for producing a yjet dart cartridge in accordance with this invention. The jet dart cartridge 12 has been shown in fFig. 1 as loaded in a guide barrel '14 similar toa `shotgun barrel. A iet dart cartridge in accordance with this' invention is not only adapted for use in a hand gun or shoulder gun; it can be made' in a size far different than that approximating a shotgun shell and may be guided by means other than a guide barrel of 'a hand or shoulder gun. For example, if this invention is made in al large size, an open trough can be used in the same manner as one isv used as a guide for some types of rockets.

The modification of the invention shown :in Fig. 2 is a simplifiedl jet dart cartridge. It includes a cylindrical case 62 anda `wad 64 secured to the front endv of the cylindrical case. A jet dart V66 similar to the one described above is mounted; within the cylindrical case 62. It differs in that its neck 68 is longer than that of the jet dart shown in IFig. 1. The jet dart 66 is retained within the case '62 by `al base plug 72. Its cutting fins do not extend through wad 64; this' is an alternative to the head start shown in Fig. l. Base plug 72 is formed with a central opening 74 `for permitting the end 76 of the elongated neck to extend through the end o'f the base plug 72, whereby itis adapted to be activated directly by firing pin 54'. This modied form of the invention is of s'implied construction and is adapted tobe activated andred more simply than the one shown in Fig. l. To activate the jet dart 66 it is positioned in a guide barrel 14, or the like, andthe frangi'ble endof its elongated neck extending through the backgof the case 62 is pierced directly by tiring pin 54'.

' VIn opcrationgtlie Ajet dart cartridge of Fig. l is readied fcr'use' by being loaded into the guide' barrel; 14 and' re'- taiued therein by the block 52. The barrel 14 `is sighted toward the target as isv conventional and aA triggering mechanism, ,not shown, isvused for forcing the firing pin 54 with considerable force axially against the striking pin 42 whereby the latter is forced, against the resistance presented by compression spring 49, to puncture the tail end of the jet dart. As soon as the jet dart is punctured, the escaping gas builds up t-he pressure in the portion of the case 28 described as .the free `space 48. Both the coil spring 49 and the pressure of the gas in free space 48 forces the striking pin 42 to the 'left whereby the rubberlike washer A51 seals .axial bore 38 against the escaping gas. The buildup of pressure in the free space 48 applies the necessary force against the transverse surface of the gas sealing means 34 for forcing the jet dart through the wad 32 towards the muzzle end of the guide barrel 14. The continuing pressure applied by 'the gas forces thejet dart out of the muzzle end of the guide barrel. The sectional gas sealing means 34 then drops off the jet dart.

The jet dart continues to be propelled toward the target by ythe jet action of the escaping gas. Though the jet dart has a relatively short range itis adapted to inict a mortal `wound on a human being within this range'. Of significant importance is that its operation is relatively noiseless. This relatively silent feature makes. it particularly usefullyin yguerilla-'type combat by armed forces. Because thejet dart is normally carried in the form of a cartridge, it is easily portable,- rugged and Vconstantly ready for instant use.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the presen-t invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to 'be understood vthat within the scope off the appended claims thel invention may be practiced othewvisethan as' specifically described.

l. A jet dart comprising a bulb formed with a stubnosed yfront end', a cylindrical neck-like rear end and a hermetically sealed chamber; compressed gas in the chamber of said bulb; `piercing means secured to the stubnosed 'front end of sai-d bulb, Vand stabilizing fins secured about the necl'r-lilc'ev rear end of said bulb, the ends of said tins dening a cylinder whose diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of said bulb; the neck-like rear end of said bulb bein-g adapted Ito be punctured axially for permitting said compressed gas to escape rearwardly from the chamber of said bulb to propel said jet dart forwardly, the length of said jet dart approximating the length of a shotgun shell.

2. A jet dart cartridge comprising a cylindrical case, a round 'bulb-likemissile in said case, said missile being constructed yand arranged so that its outside diameter at its widest portion is only slightly smaller than the inside diameter of 'said case whereby said missile is adapted to slide out -of said cylindrical case when activated, said missile being formed with a hermetically sealed chamber, a-stub-nosed' forward`r end and a reduced diameter cylindrical neck lat its rear end, liquiied carbon dioxide in the hcrmeltically sealed chamber of said missile, tapered cutting fins Asecured to the stub-'nosed front end of said missile, stabilizing tins secured to t-he rear end of sai-d mis'- si'le, gas'fseal means disposed between they rear portion of said Amissile and said case', said gas seal means adapted to move out of saidv case' with said missile and fall off said missile 4when said missile is in free Hight, a frangible wad secured in the forward end of said case for retaining said missile in said case and permitting exit of said missile kfrom said case when said missile is activated, a retaining plug secured to theiopposite end of said case for retaining said missile in saidy case, a striking pin positioned 'axially in said plug and in engagement at one end thereof with the rear endj of said missile, spring andl seal means surrounding said -pin for stabilizing the position of said pin and for preventing' escape of gas through the rear end of' said cartridge, said cartridge being' adapted to be positionedinl a; guide barrel and its missile `activated into ilig'h't by causing s'a'id striking pin to puncture' the rear end. of said missile.

3*. A ietf dart cartridge comprising a cylindrical car- .JL-MW.

tridge case approximately the length of a shotgun shell; a round bulb formed with a stub-nosed front end and a cylindrical neck-like rear end and a hermetically sealed chamber the outside diameter of said round bulb at its widest portion being only slightly smaller than the inside diameter of said case, said bulb being disposed in said case and adapted to slide out of said case; compressed gas in the chamber of said bulb; piercing means secured to the stub-nosed front end of said bulb; stabilizing ns secured about the neck-like rear end of said bulb, the ends of said tins defining a cylinder whose diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of said bulb; the necklike rear end of said bulb being adapted to be punctured axially for permitting said compressed gas to escape rearwardly from the chamber of said bulb to propel said jet dart forwardly; a frangible wad secured in the forward end of Isaid case for retaining said 'bulb in said case and permitting exit of said bulb when its rear end is punctured, the rear end of said case being formed with an axial passage to permit a puncturing means to move therein to puncture said bulb.

4. A jet dart cartridge as delined inclaim 9 further comprising a striking pin positioned in the axial passage in the rear of said case and in engagement at one end thereof with the rear end of said bulb, spring and sail means surrounding said pin for stabilizing the position of said pin and for preventing escape of gas through the rear end of said case.

5. A jet dart cartridge comprising a cylindrical case, a round bulb-like missile in said case, said missile being constructed and arranged so that its outside diameter at its widest portion is only slightly smaller than the inside diameter of said case whereby said missile is adapted to slideout of said case when activated, said missile being formed with a hermetically sealed chamber and a reduced diameter cylindrical neck at its rear end, compressed gas in the hermetically sealed chamber ofy said missile, pointed means secured to the front end of said missile, stabilizing ns secured to the rear end of said missile, gas seal means disposed between the rear portion of said missile and said case, said gas seal means adapted to move out of said case with'said missile and fall olf said missile when said missile is in free Hight, a frangible wad secured in the forward end of said case for retaining said missile in said case and permitting exit of said missile from said case when said missile is activated, a retaining plug secured to the opposite end of said case for retaining said missile in said case, a striking pin positioned axially in said plug and in engagement at one end thereof with the rear end of said missile, spring and seal means v surrounding said pin for stabilizing the position of said pin and for preventing escape of gas through the rear end of said cartridge.

6. A jet dart cartridge comprising a cylindrical cartridge case, a round bulb-like missile in said case, said missile being constructed and arranged so that its outside diameter at its Widest portion is only slightly smaller than the inside diameter of said case whereby said missile is adapted to slide out of said case when activated, said missile being formed with a hermetically sealed chamber and a reduced diameter cylindrical neck at its rear end, compressed gas in the hermetically sealed chamber of said missile, pointed means secured to the front end of said missile, stabilizing tins secured to the rear end of said missile, gas seal means disposed between the rear portion of said missile and said case, said gas seal means adapted to move out of said case with said missile and fall off said missile when said missile is in free Hight, a frangible wad secured in the forward end of said case for retaining said missile in said case and permitting exit of said missile from said case when said missile is activated, and means adapted to puncturing said bulb positioned axially in the rear end of said case and in engagement at one end thereof with the rear end of said bulb.

7. A jet dart cartridge comprising; a cylindrical cartv ridge case approximately the length of a shotgun shell;

a round bulb formed with a stub-nosed front end and a cylindrical neck-like rear end and a hermetically sealed chamber, the outside diameter of said round bulb at its widest portion being only slightly smaller than the inside diameter of said case, said bulb being disposed in said case and being adapted to slide out of said case; compressed gas in the chamber of said bulb; piercing means secured to the stub-nosed front end of said bulb; stabilizing tins secured about the neck-like rear end of said bulb, the ends of said ns defining a cylinder whose diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of said bulb; Vthe necklike rear end of said bulb being adapted to be punctured axially for permitting said compressed gas to escape rearwardly from the chamber of said bulb to propel said jet dart forwardly; a frangible wad secured in the forward end of said case for retaining said bulb in said case and permitting exit of said bulb when its rear end is punctured; the -rear end of said case being formed with an axial passage; a striking pin positioned in the axial passage in the rear of said case and in engagement at one end thereof with the rear end of said bulb; spring and seal means surrounding said pin for stabilizing the position of said pin and for preventing escape of gas through the rear end of said case; and gas seal means disposed between the rear portion of said bulb and said case, said gas seal means adapted to move out of said case with said bulb and fall off said bulb when said bulb is in free flight.

References Cited in the ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 9,047 Brand June 22, 1852 279,539 Chamberlain June 19, 1883 938,836 Fessenden Nov. 2, 1909 2,573,362 Rouse Oct. 30, 1951 

